Games and Toys for the Gifted
Bright Kids Need to Play and Have Fun, Too!
Somewhere along the way, some adults have concluded that gifted children are far too sophisticated to need play time, when in fact everyone needs a little fun and games.
“There. Did you see that?” a worried mother asked her friend after observing her gifted daughter stand up and walk away from two other little girls who were playing a card game.
“That’s just what she does. She doesn’t like to play with other kids.”
The Need for Play
What some parents conclude after watching their gifted children at play can be very far from the reality of the situation. Some parents, like the one from above, believe that their child isn’t being social when she doesn’t play with the other children. In fact, the issue might not be with the playmates; rather, it might be the choice of games, because gifted children learn and grow from play. Of course there are important social issues for gifted children that parents need to consider; however, since the gifted child can process at a higher level, he or she might gravitate to older children or to other children who have the same interests and abilities rather than to the boys and girls of the same age.
Gifted Kids Are Not Little Adults!
It is important to remember that just because a gifted child may sound or act like an adult at times, they are still children and enjoy playing. Playing is an important function for children as they explore and learn about their world and environment, and gifted children who have heightened senses of imagination and creativity especially have a need to play and have quality down time. As Suite101 writer Crysta Parkinson noted, “While a variety of activities is healthy and positive, one of the best things a parent can do for their gifted child is provide them with some downtime.”
In many ways, the same holds true for homeschooled children as well. Writer Christine Alcott explains that, “Many homeschooled children, whether gifted or not, share characteristics with gifted learners. For example, homeschooled children are often able to "think outside the box" like gifted learners.”
When Play’s the Thing
When considering what kind of play is best for gifted children, remember that in many cases open-ended games, toys and puzzles will be the best in the long run. In fact, gifted children’s imaginations can take off with any household object; a cardboard box can become a battle cruiser or a racecar. Toys and games that come fully constructed, or that involve no creativity or imagination to play will usually wind up behind the sofa in just a few minutes.
Most parents and teachers try to purchase games, toys and puzzles that take experimentation to follow or solve, need imagination, are not gender-specific, and are age-appropriate.
Consider some of the indicators of a gifted child: has a wild imagination, is very curious, can plan ahead, and makes good guesses at things. Games, toys and puzzles that do not address those issues just won’t make it for the gifted child’s need to have fun, and in fact, they will be boring to a gifted child if a parent or teacher insists that those kinds of games be played for socialization, as learning stations, at parties, or whatever the occasion. So, the issue might not be the other playmates, it might be the play itself.
Reference:
Alcott, Christine. Game Time Blog.
Parkinson, Crysta. The Importance of Downtime.
